Community Halloween Party

Tonight, Billy left me all alone with two kids to put to bed. He went to a hockey game with our friend, Brian Adams, and other CEOs/CFOs from the hospital system. I didn't know what I was going to do for the 2 1/2 hours before bedtime with both kids ... since evenings are Khloe's hardest time of the day. But then Gwendy texted me and invited me to our community/neighborhood's Halloween party. I decided that would make a great evening activity.

Since it was just me, I decided Khloe wouldn't get her outfit on ... instead, I swaddled her in the Moby wrap, and she slept through the party (her evening catnap--check!). Colton was excited to go to a party, so he got on his UPS Truck Driver costume ... he even wore the hat all night, because that meant he drove a truck! Colton danced to the music--they brought in a DJ. He ate popcorn, chips, and a little bit of cake. There were so many kids in costumes ... he seemed consumed with watching them all ... and then running circles around the couch in the room. His friend, Mason, was so cute, too! All dressed up as an adorable little golfer.
Isn't he the cutest driver!?! On Monday, Halloween, Khloe will be a package that he is delivering. I thought it was a fun idea!Mason and Colton ... the golfer and the UPS driver.The boys enjoying the good snacks at the party.

When I got home, I had to get the kids to bed ... all by myself. It's really great having Billy here. He takes care of Colton and gets him ready for bed, while I feed Khloe and get her into bed just in time to go say goodnight with Colton and say our prayers. Tonight, I had to figure out how to put both kids to bed at the same time. So, I put Khloe in the swing, and I got Colton into his jammies. Then I let Colton play with his trucks while I fed Khloe and started to rock her to sleep. Then I left the room while Colton played trucks, and I eased Khloe into a semi-sleep and laid her down in her crib. I, then, cleaned up the toys with Colton, read him two books, brushed his teeth, said our prayers, and put him down in his bed to sleep. He didn't even fight me once or cry at all! Then I went back to see Khloe. She was a little fussy (I did rush her winding down time), so I picked her back up ... shhhhed her until her eyes got droopy, laid her in the crib, and shhhhed for a few minutes until her body relaxed and she settled. Then I went out to clean the kitchen and pump. Through all of that, I heard no crying! So, I went to check on her, and she was sound asleep! I got them both into bed in less than 45 minutes from start of bedtime routine to both kids sleeping beautifully. I have to say that I feel pretty good about that. Two kids are definitely more difficult than one, but today, I feel like I defeated something ... even if just my own perception that I would never be able to take care of both of them without a huge mess on my hands. Now, I'm relaxing, interneting, and taking in the quietness of the house. Billy will be home soon, and I'm excited for that! I'll be happy to tell him of my success.

Today, we went to church, and Khloe looked so cute in her dress that Grandma Bourland got her. It was our first time back to church since Khloe was born. Because of the c-section, we couldn't go that first week. Then we were in KC the second week, but our luggage was left in Tampa. So, we had nothing to wear. The next few weeks, we were in recovery/getting our newborn settled into a routine. This week, we decided it's time to go back. Colton missed Sabbath School, and he had a great time today. Khloe was there for half of Sabbath School, before I had to head to the Mother's room for a feeding. I wanted to get a picture of them both together, but by the time we got home, they were both in terrible moods! So, next week, I'll have to get one before church. I, also, found out that Colton's blue church pants are now high-waters. He is growing so quickly. He won't wear those again. I am sad about how fast he's growing up!Ready for church. Isn't she so cute?

Speaking of growing up, we measured Khloe today. She's 23 inches long! She's grown an inch and a half in 5 weeks. And as of Billy's weighing her, she's 10 lbs. 8 oz. So, she's growing, growing, growing!Khloe on the measuring/tummy time pad. Getting some "play" on in the Eat. Play. Sleep. scenario of our lives.

Ready to go relax ... kids asleep, husband out watching hockey ... Mommy time!

food--addendum

The more I have thought about it, looked back at Colton's "logs", and read about it, eating 3 oz. per feeding isn't bad at all. In fact, eating 4 oz. to 6 oz. was huge for her age and weight. So, I'm pretty sure the 1 to 2 oz. feedings were low, but the 3 oz. feedings are probably spot on. I don't have anything to worry about, because she's napping (and for the most part sleeping at night) like she should be. She pees (and for the most part poops) like she should be. Things in the feeding department are just annoying when she fights eating or makes a long, big deal out of it ... but her total, as of 3 oz., is actually very good! I just wanted to clarify my thoughts with everyone.

first cold ... check ... sleepless nights ... check ... sleepless days ... check ...

I'm ready for my big girl to get a bit bigger. Terrible, I know! I should be savoring every itty-bitty baby moment, but some of them are too tiring to savor and too exhausting to ever want to experience again. Colton woke up on Monday morning with a runny nose. I really should have been more careful with letting him be around Khloe ... but kids are going to get colds--and it's good for them to build up those antibodies. I just wouldn't have minded if the first cold came in the 4 month time frame, instead of the first month! I let him give her kisses and hold her.

Soon enough, by Wednesday, in fact ... she had a cold, too. (And so did I!) On Tuesday night, Khloe had a bad night of sleep ... it was pretty fitful and non-relaxing. She woke up several times just to crank--not even for food. Then she woke up earlier than usual that morning to a day filled with crying and cranking and ZIP for sleeping! It was a rough day for me, as I was up with her all night, so I needed a nap. She just didn't want to nap--no, she wanted to nap, but she kept waking herself up with coughs and the inability to breathe. That night, I gave her a bath, and put her down to bed a wee bit early. She slept wonderfully! It was a regular sleep night with two wakes for feedings at her usual time. Then on Thursday, she slept like a champ for all of her naps. She gave me the much needed boost of confidence that was so quickly snapped away the day before and the much needed rest my body was craving. I think I see a smile in there during her bath!

On Thursday night, she had another fitful night ... but she seemed bothered by something. Her legs kicked like crazy, and when she woke in the night ... she actually woke up--which she usually doesn't do. She just wakes enough to let me know she's hungry and is out like a light mid-feed. But last night, she woke up and had "perky" eyes at the end of each feed. I had to console her back to sleep and then listen to her fitful rest ... which as I laid there realized that she hadn't pooped in over 24 hours. I thought for sure she must feel backed-up or gassy or both! So, she woke several extra times last night, and when we got up, I let her lay in her gym to work it out. She tooted several times but no poops! However, she slept SO WELL today. She took all of her naps and was a perfect angel. By the evening, she had pooped once ... which I'm happy for. And she's now sleeping away--ready for a great night, I hope! (crossing my fingers!)

Her eating has gone caput, though. Since she's gotten sick, I have had a hard time getting her to even eat 3 oz. at bottle feeds and 20 minutes on breast feeds. I found that she ate 1 to 2 oz. during her "sick" day, and 2 to 3 oz. since. Today, she has been eating 3 oz. on bottle feeds and 30-40 minutes on breast feeds ... which could mean up to 4 oz. (When I pump, I'm getting 3 to 4 oz. per pump.) I struggle with this, because Colton was a SUPER eater ... even when he was sick. He drank whatever I stuck in his mouth and never looked back. She likes to take her time and spit out the bottle or the breast--which is very annoying. I pretty much dislike the dreamfeed ... which I feel is important, because I can "tank" her up while she sleeps, and therefore, get a full 3 hours or more of sleep when I go to bed. In actuality, these past few days, she has only taken 1 to 2 oz. during her dreamfeed, and it's murder trying to get her to do that! I read that I should be persistent, and keep up the dream feeds--she'll get the hang of it. So, I keep it up. I think it's still related to her being sick ... it's hard to breathe, sleep, and drink when your nose is stuffy (I'm convinced she had a sore throat, too.). Anyway, keep her and me (mostly me) in your prayers, as I figure out this feeding thing. I have been breastfeeding her solely throughout the day ... and aside from her cranking and pulling off (probably due to slow-flow), she does pretty well. I know she's eating, because she has wet (and usually poopy) diapers. Plus, she can go the 3 hours necessary between feeds just fine. However, I am getting sick of her crying, crying, and yanking off during each feed. I'm ready to go to bottles! I am trying to make it to Thanksgiving and reevaluate then, if necessary. I bottle feed her at night, so I can get back to bed ... and monitor what she's eating a little bit. Plus, it gets her used to bottles, so I don't have to be the only person that can feed her. I never thought I'd be anxious and worried while surrounded in milk supply bottles filling the fridge. When I breastfed Colton, I would have given anything for my supply! I never, ever had enough for that kid! I guess I got used to that kind of an eater ... the grass is always greener on the other side of the problem!

This weekend, we will prepare for Halloween. Colton has such a cute outfit! I can't wait to post a picture of it. We'll carve pumpkins, and maybe do some baking. I will, also, work on Khloe's room ... as far as decor and pictures. I am nearly done with her artwork that will go above her crib. I just need to find some picture frames.

Tonight is the last night Khloe will sleep in our room ... unless we have guests who need her room, or it goes terribly wrong for some reason. She has slept very well in her pack'n'play bassinet. She makes much less noise than Colton did while sleeping at that age, but it's time for her to be independent in her own room ... and for our sleep to be sound. It's sad, but also, very welcomed. It's not nearly as sad as when we put Colton in his crib for the first time. I guess that's how it will be for the second one ... not nearly as sad or exciting for most milestones. Poor Khloe! It's a different kind of excitement ... she's growing, moving into her own room, and I know that means better sleep ... better schedule ... growing up and getting a bit easier. It's sad, but it's necessary and much needed. I just hope it's quiet enough in her room with it being right off the family room and next to Colton's room for her to sleep at night and for naps. I guess time will tell.

My favorite month is coming to an end in three days! I can't believe it's almost November!!! Billy's parents are coming for a visit the weekend before Thanksgiving to meet Khloe, and of course, to spend time with Colton. Then we are hosting Thanksgiving at our house, and Billy's sister and cousins are coming down from Orlando to spend it here at our house. It will be a busy month, but hopefully, I'll get that routine down to a "T" before it all starts. I am praying that the Lord will bless ... and give me strength and a positive outlook as her 6-week growth spurt is coming ... any day now ... or is here ... who knows if that's what her deal was last night! Just have to remember, small part of her big life ... small part of her big life ... I am trying to keep that running through my head when I'm tired.

Here's how she's growing! Already plays in her gym and bouncy chair. Such a big girl. I tried to flip those pictures the right way, but they aren't uploading right ... so just turn your head!

A few pictures of Colton while we went for one of our walks this week. He loves to push this toy--thank you, Mellie! He can't get enough of pushing it around the neighborhood.

Happy Sabbath!

my one-month girl

This is Khlobert's (sounds like Khlobear ... but spelled like Colbert ... get it? Oh, well.) first month growth picture. She is changing and changing. We have had some successes in the sleep department. Last night, she was so hungry when I put her to bed that she ate 6 ounces! She then slept until 4 am! Yay! She is going down for naps and bedtime so well. I am hoping by Thanksgiving that she will be close to sleeping through the night, but Christmas is my ultimate goal.

Today, Cole, Khloe, and I went to the park together. Sissy basically slept the whole time ... which was great ... and Cole and I played together on the slides. It was a much needed Mommy & Son time. I really tried to focus on Colton today, and I think that helped him to have a much, much better day than this weekend. I am going to have to put a lot more effort into giving him attention these next few weeks to see if that will help his struggling attitude/behavior. I think he is really having a hard time with all of the changes in his life right now, and then to have Mommy paying all of this attention to Baby Sissy and not to him ... I think he's not sure how to handle that. The park was fun, though, and I think Colton had a great time. I know I did!

This evening, we went to get Billy a new suit and to buy him a tuxedo. There was a great sale going on, so he got some good deals on the whole thing. A brand new tuxedo for 80% off and a brand new brown suit for 70% off. Colton pointed to a leather jacket and said, "I like it! I like this!" Then he proceeded to zip the zipper up and down on the jacket. I think he just likes zippers. After Billy got his new threads, we went for a walk around Wiregrass Mall. It's an outdoor mall ... like the plaza--only not as large. It was a gorgeous evening out, so the walk was really nice.

I love it when Billy gets home at night. I wish he could stay home with us all day! It just feels better when he's here. I did get to take a nap today. That was really nice. I need to make sure I do that every day.

I am excited, because I can start to exercise in about a week and half. I am ready to start some DVDs! I want to get this Pilates DVD that focuses on women after a c-section. We'll see if I get that one. Hopefully, once Khloe starts sleeping through the night, I can get up early and start running again. Plus, once she's 3 months old, I can leave her at the gym daycare with Colton ... well, then I'd have to join the gym. So, I guess I'll assess that after Christmas.

Better go spend some time with Billy ... goodnight!

pumpkin patch and cooler weather--it must be fall in Florida!

Today was a fun day! We went to a pumpkin patch that had farm animals, hay bales, hay rides, corn mazes, and fall festival activities. It was super fun to get out in this fabulous weather we've been having and to enjoy the fall festivities! Colton really enjoyed seeing the animals and climbing on the hay bales. At first, he did not like touching the hay, but eventually, he found that he liked climbing on them too much ... so he dealt with touching them anyway.Colton found a monster truck! As he said, "It's a Big Daddy Monster Truck!"

He saw so many animals and got to touch them, too. We saw a cow, chickens, pigs, and goats. Cole even got to milk a pretend cow!Colton milks a fake cow!We saw Rosie Moo Moo, the real cow. She even licked me and tried to eat my sleeve. It was pretty funnyHanging out with the cow.And the cow licks me!

We got a pumpkin for Colton, and I can't wait to carve it for him. I'm going to let him pick out what goes on the pumpkin. Last year, I carved his name into his pumpkin. I'll do that to Khloe's pumpkin this year. First Halloween tradition in the Heinrich house!

Yesterday, it was Khloe's one month birthday! We celebrated by taking pictures of her in the outfit I made for her for my sister's wedding, and then we ate delicious chocolate cake that I made. (It really was decadant!) I can't believe one month has gone by already ... and yet, it's so very nice! Since the night before her one month mark, she has slept better than ever, gone down to sleep with ease, and stayed asleep once put down ... until feeding time, that is! This is a huge milestone, and one that I have welcomed with excitement and joy. The thing I disliked the most during the first month (and after the initial newborn sleep phase) was that once I put Khloe down, she would wake up 10 minutes later or right away. She didn't want to go down, and it would take me nearly an hour (sometimes longer) to get her down for a nap or at night for bedtime. Since she turned one month old, she has changed almost instantly. It has been wonderful! I rock her to near sleep (or to sleep), set her down in her crib, and she stays asleep. What a novel concept! I'm glad she got the memo. I, also, see her schedule forming. She is showing me when she needs to eat, play, and sleep, and that makes my life a million times easier. She can even stay awake for 20 minutes or so ... happy ... and "play"/look in her swing or the gym. I am starting to feel much better about having a new baby in the house. Here are some pictures from her one month birthday.What an angel!

We got a few fun items in the mail this week! A big THANK YOU to my sister's-in-law, Cherrie and Debbie, for my birthday gifts. I love the sweater and shirt from The Loft, Cherrie! I even got to wear the sweater today, since the weather has been so nice. And Debbie, thank you so much for the gift card to Barnes. I already bought a book! I'm excited to read while I pump or feed Khloe. I, also, got a nice gift from my in-laws. I got a cute sports outfit (jacket and pants). I should be able to use it quite a bit this winter. They fit great! I already wore the jacket on an evening walk this week. Then today, Steph and Andy (and AJ) Larson sent Khloe and Colton some gifts. It was SO nice of them to remember Cole. He got a fun Christian CD and a Veggie Tales DVD. He is very excited to watch Bob and Larry!

And Khloe got some adorable onesies and bibs. Thank you guys! We are lucky to have such thoughtful friends.

I love getting mail! It makes my day ... and this month with a new baby and my birthday, it has been a mail kind of month. I have been in heaven!

This week is the last full week of October (my favorite month of the year). Can you believe it? I am so shocked that it is getting nearer and nearer to Thanksgiving. I guess when you have a lot going on, time flies without you realizing it. This week, we don't have much planned. We'll probably hang out with Brian, Gwendy, and Mason a little bit. I am looking forward to Halloween and seeing Colton enjoy it really for the first time--even though it's his second Halloween. Billy plans on getting him (and himself) a lot of candy!

Tomorrow, we have a few errands to run, but it should be a pretty relaxing day. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to head to the pool or park area here in our neighborhood. I'm just loving this weather!

4-6 week peak of frustration

So, Khloe will be 4 weeks old tomorrow ... and a month old on Friday. I know that the 6 week mark will throw us a growth spurt and probably several days of crankiness and ill sleep schedules. I think it has already begun. So far in her life, Khloe has been an excellent sleeper. In fact, she has really stuck to a great schedule and given us little to complain about. Then last night hit ... she was super gassy, and pushed and grunted from about 2:00 a.m. until she decided it was time to wake up at 7:00 a.m. I was pretty tired, needless to say. Then she didn't want to take her first nap ... or her second nap ... by her third nap, she had "semi-napped" in her swing twice already. I thought for sure she would crash. It took a little bit, but she finally slept for a couple of hours (a little restless but she slept none-the-less). This evening she took a short cat-nap in the swing again, and when it was time for bed ... she slept in my arms but refused to sleep once put down. Plus, she had just eaten and no more than an hour and a half later, she was ready to chow down again! I fed her at 8:00 p.m., and finally got her to fall asleep ... by 9:25 p.m., she was crying and rooting! I fed her a bottle this time, because I'm starting to feel like maybe I don't have enough milk for her when I breastfeed, and maybe that's why she's not relaxing and able to rest. She drank 3 1/2 ounces of breast milk that I had pumped a couple of days ago. Then she fell asleep in my arms. As soon as I put her down, she woke up, and now she's crying ... and crying. You may be thinking ... maybe she needs to burp. Nope! She let out a huge burp right after she finished feeding. Clean diaper? Check. Overtired? Maybe. I am overtired, that's for sure. I know that after about the 6-week mark, Colton really started to settle into a great routine--even though, he still woke up during the night until 3 months. I am hoping that these next couple of weeks may bring me some hard times, but after that 6-week mark, she settles into a routine again. She was doing so well! I was feeling so good about it. Now, I'm feeling very frustrated. She's asleep now ... all I can pray is that it lasts longer than one hour.

I'm feeling like I should pump more to see exactly how much I'm producing, because obviously she is needing more milk than I seem to be providing breast feeding. Right now, I am pumping once a day ... right before bed. I get 3 to 3 1/2 ounces total (from both sides combined). She drinks all of that in one bottle during her dreamfeed. But I know that the fuller side usually only has 2 to 2 1/2 ounces in it. Maybe she needs more than 2 to 2 1/2 ounces. I am currently only feeding her from one side at a time. Maybe I need to feed her from both sides. Maybe she should finish one side completely and then drink from the other side until she's full. Then start on the opposite side each time. I don't know what the answer is ... I just feel like something isn't right in my current situation. I do remember hating this part with Colton. It was so much easier once he turned one!

On another not so frustrating note, Brenda and Gerson came to visit us this past Sabbath. It was nice to see them. Brenda is looking good as she is entering her third trimester. Only 12 more weeks before baby Araujo is due. Pretty exciting! Brenda trained some of her Mommy skills by holding Khloe while she was here. It was a fun day.Cute picture!
This is Colton's current love. He pushed it a little bit while Brenda and Gerson were visiting. He could push this thing 24 hours a day!Colton had fun with them here, too.

For dinner that night, he had some yogurt. He's pretty good at eating yogurt on his own, but sometimes, he gets it everywhere! He's too cute!

Today, Colton wanted to hold Khloe, so I put her on his lap. He was good ... took a few pictures then attempted to slide her off of his lap saying, "I'm done. Move Khloe." Don't worry! I was right there; I grabbed her before any harm could be done.Isn't this the cutest!?!

He is a cute big brother, though. Whenever she is crying, he says, "It's okay, Khloe. It's okay." Then he looks at me and says, "Khloe is crying. She's (mad, sad, hungry, sleepy)." He loves to touch her and tickle her feet. I love to see how great he is with her.Colton's finger in her ear! He has to touch her!>Big boy smile for the camera!

Last night, Colton took a bath with Daddy in the big bathtub. He had the best time! He splashed and splashed with Daddy ... I guess it was like being a pool for him. Today when I was getting ready, Colton even reminded me that he took a bath with Daddy last night. He said, "I took a warm bath with Daddy!" I said, "Did you have fun?" He said, "Yeah!"Splash time!

Khloe finally had a bath this week where she didn't cry even one time! I was so happy to see her enjoy her warm evening bath. She just seemed so peaceful, and that felt good.All smiles!

She's getting to be pretty big. She's probably over 10 lbs. by now. Billy will weigh her on her 1 month birthday on Friday. Today she wore her first 0-3 month jammies instead of newborn jammies. She is getting to be a bit long for the newborn jammies. That's sad ... and exciting. I thought she smiled for the first time today, but Billy said he doesn't think it's a smile. He thinks she's just making silly faces again. I guess I won't mark it down as the first time she smiled quite yet.Smiles?Big girl in her cute dress!

This weekend, we are planning on going to a pumpkin patch. I'm really excited! They, also, have an animal farm there. I think Colton will really like to see the animals. Plus, we haven't bought our pumpkins for this year, so it will be nice to pick out two good sized pumpkins for the kids. I think we'll have a good time.

I sent out Khloe's birth annoucements this week. I'm excited, because I love how they turned out. Here's a sneak peak!

I'll take some pictures of Khloe on her 1 month birthday ... hopefully in the outfit she wore to my sister's wedding, since I didn't get any good pictures of her in it on that day. Wish me luck and pray for me as I figure out this little girl and her newest changes!

I'll close with this video of Colton praying for his meal. We're still working on getting him to understand closing of the eyes, but the prayer is pretty good. Here's the translation: "Dear Jesus, Thank you for the food. Help it to strengthen my body. In Jesus name we pray, Amen."